Texans lock up Watt through 2015

J.J. Watt, the 2012 NFL defensive player of the year and one of the faces of the Texans franchise, is not going anywhere.

The Texans are picking up the fifth-year option on the defensive end’s contract, a formality for first-round picks in 2011.

He’s under contract for two more seasons.

Realistically, Watt probably won’t reach the fifth year of his original deal because the Texans’ philosophy is to reward their best players with extensions with a year remaining on their current contracts.

Watt had an NFL-best 20.5 sacks in 2012 and came back with 10.5 during the Texans’ miserable 2-14 season last year.

Watt has been to the Pro Bowl in his last two seasons and his 36.5 sacks in his three-year career.